Significant Intragroup Differences Research Articles

Effects of Resistance Training With Machines and Elastic Tubes on Functional Capacity and Muscle Strength in Community-Living Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of 12weeks of resistance training with machines and elastic tubes on functional capacity and muscular strength in older women aged 60 years or over. The participants were randomized into two groups: a machine group (n = 23) and an elastic group (n = 20). They performed 12weeks of progressive resistance training, twice a week, with similar exercises. Outcomes were assessed at three time points: baseline, postintervention, and 8weeks after the end of the training. A significant intragroup effect was demonstrated for both groups at postintervention on functional tests and muscle strength. For the functional reach test and elbow flexion strength (180°/s), only the machine group demonstrated significant intragroup differences. No differences were observed between groups for any outcome. At the 8-week follow-up, functional capacity outcome values were maintained. The muscle strength outcome values decreased to baseline scores, without differences between groups.

Are occlusal splints effective in reducing myofascial pain in patients with muscle-related temporomandibular disorders? A randomized-controlled trial.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of upper Michigan occlusal splint (OS) compared to mandibular OS in terms of pain, range of motion (ROM), and muscle activity as assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG) in patients affected by muscle-related temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Patients and methods In this randomized-controlled trial, a total of 40 adult patients (13 males, 27 females; mean age: 47.2±12.8 years; range, 22 to 56 years) with a diagnosis of myofascial pain, lasting from at least three months on at least one masseter muscle. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (n=20) using upper Michigan OS and Group 2 (n=20) using mandibular OS. At baseline (T0), at one (T1), three (T2), and six months (T3), the following outcomes were assessed: myofascial pain by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and ROM of mandible movements, activity of the main masticatory muscles through sEMG. Results There were no significant intra-group differences in the outcome measures assessed in both groups. However, Group 2 had a significantly higher right lateral mandibular ROM at T2 (7.1±3.1 vs. 9.8±2.3, respectively; p<0.05) and a significantly higher left lateral mandibular ROM at T3 (7.6±3.5 vs. 10.5±2.1, respectively; p<0.05). We found no significant difference in none of the sEMG parameters. Conclusion Our study results suggest that OS, independently from being built on the upper or lower arch, seems to not have significant effects in reducing pain over a six-month period in TMD patients.

The effects of an exercise programme for core muscle strengthening in patients with low back pain after Caesarian-section: A single blind randomized controlled trial.

To determine the effects of an exercise programme for core muscle strengthening in patients with low back pain after caesarean section. The single-blind randomised controlled trail was conducted from August 2018 to January 2019 at the Helping Hand for Relief and Development Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre, Chakwal, Pakistan, and comprised post-caesarean section women aged 25-40 years with low back pain. Patients were randomised into supervised group I and unsupervised group II using the sealed envelope method. Group I received supervised core stability exercise programme, while group II received unsupervised, home-based core stability exercise programme. Baseline and post-intervention values were compared for numeric pain rating scale, Oswestry disability index, inclinometer and core stability assessment. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 30 subjects, there were 15(50%) in each of the two groups. There was no significant difference at baseline between the groups (p>0.05). Post-intervention results showed significant intra-group and inter-group differences (p<0.05) with respect to all parameters. No improvement was observed for right and left side bending (p>0.05). Supervised core stability exercise programme was more effective in reducing pain and disability, and improved core muscle activation than unsupervised, home-based core exercise programme.

Skeletal and dental changes after maxillary expansion with a bone-borne appliance in young and late adolescent patients

Rapid palatal expansion is a common therapy during orthodontic treatment and could be a preliminary step for correcting different malocclusions; furthermore, this treatment could be necessary at any age. Different anchorage approaches have been proposed to obtain an effective skeletal result, although every device produces both dental and skeletal effects. This study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal effects of a bone-borne palatal expander considering 2 groups of patients of different ages. Twenty-four patients consecutively treated were included in the study; patients were divided into 2 groups according to their age: group 1 with age≤16years and group 2 patients>16years. All patients had a preexpansion cone-beam computed tomography scan; a second scan was required at the end of activations. All patients received a bone-borne appliance anchored on 4 miniscrews. Significant intragroup differences were found for maxillary width and dental diameters. No significant differences were found between groups with regard to longitudinal changes, except for the maxillary right plane. The use of bone-borne maxillary expansion was effective in generating palatal widening both in growing and young adult patients. No significant skeletal or dental differences were found between groups.

Ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus pediatric massage for treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency: a randomized controlled clinical trial

To observe the clinical efficacy of ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus pediatric massage (tuina) in treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency. Ninety infants were randomly divided into a massage plus moxibustion group, a massage group and a drug group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The intervention was conducted for two consecutive courses. The infants in the massage plus moxibustion group were treated with pediatric massage and ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). The infants in the massage group were treated with pediatric massage alone, while those in the drug group were treated with smecta. The primary and secondary symptom scales were assessed before and after treatment and at the follow-ups, and the total effective rate was evaluated after treatment. The total effective rate in the massage plus moxibustion group was significantly different from that in the massage group and drug group (both P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of primary and secondary symptoms decreased in all three groups, with statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.05); the scores of primary symptoms were significantly different between the massage plus moxibustion group and the drug group (P<0.05); the scores of secondary symptoms in the massage plus moxibustion group and the massage group were significantly different from that in the drug group (both P<0.05). The differences in the time to recover normal bowel movement frequency among the three groups were not statistically significant (P<0.05). Ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus pediatric massage compared with pediatric massage or smecta monotherapy shows superior clinical efficacy in treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, and has the advantages of appetite improvement, physique strengthening and short course.

Efficacy observation of long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training for upper-extremity dysfunction after cerebral stroke

To observe the efficacy of long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training in improving upper-extremity dysfunction in cerebral stroke patients. Ninety-five patients with upper-extremity dysfunction after cerebral stroke were randomized into two groups, with 48 cases in the treatment group and 47 cases in the control group. Conventional internal medicine treatment was offered to both groups. In both groups, Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 6, the middle 2/5) and Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 7, the middle 2/5) were selected from the same side of the brain lesion (the side apposing to the hemiplegic limb) for scalp acupuncture treatment. In the treatment group, the scalp acupuncture needles were retained for 7 h, in combination with interactive training, while the needles were also retained for 7 h in the control group but without interactive training. Prior to treatment and at 2-week and 4-week treatment, the two groups were scored using the functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity-Hong Kong (FTHUE-HK) and simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE). The total effective rate was 97.9% in the treatment group, higher than 74.5% in the control group (P 0.05), while the between-group difference in the change of the score was statistically significant at 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The FMA-UE score was higher at 2-week and 4-weeks treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FMA-UE score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FMA-UE was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). The FMA-UE score rose gradually with the increase of treatment session, and there was statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week and 4-week treatment, respectively (both P<0.05). Long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training results in more significant efficacy than long-retaining scalp acupuncture alone in improving the upper-limb dysfunction after cerebral stroke and the advantage becomes more notable after 2-week consecutive treatment.

Yaşlılarda Beden Perküsyonunun Denge veKoordinasyon Üzerine Etkisi

Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of body percussion (BP) on balance and coordination in elderly people. Material and Methods: We analyzed fifty participants by randomly assigning them to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had percussion work for 3 days per week, whereas the control group did not participate in percussion. The groups' static balance was evaluated with Romberg, Single Leg Stance Test, and Functional Reach, while the evaluation of dynamic balance was based on 360° Turn Test and Four Step Square Test. Lastly, the Berg Balance Scale was used to measure the functional balance, along with the ruler drop test for reaction time. Multiple measures such as finger to nose, supination-pronation, knee heel, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test, and Soda Pop Coordination Test were used to demonstrate the effects on the coordination. The first measurements were made at the beginning of the study, followed by the comparison measurements at the 8th week. Results: The results pointed out that significant intra-group differences were found in the intervention group in terms of the Single Leg Stance Test and the Functional Reach Test (p=0.013 and p=0.000), as well as 360° Turn Test and the Four Square Step Test (p=0.000 and p=0.000). The outcomes of the finger to nose (p=0.032), supination-pronation (p=0.020), and Lower Extremity Motor Coordination (p=0.003) tests significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that BP significantly affects coordination and balance in elderly people. BP has promising effects as a physical activity for the elderly.

Effects of neuro-adaptive electrostimulation therapy on pain and disability in fibromyalgia: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

Background:To evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive neuro-adaptive electrostimulation (NAE) therapy for treating chronic pain and disability in patients with fibromyalgia.Method/design:A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled study was conducted in 37 women with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either active NAE (n = 20) or stimulation with a sham device (n = 17). Participants in the experimental arm received eight 30-minute sessions over 4 weeks (2 sessions per week). The sham group received eight 30-minute sessions of sham stimulation. Therapeutic effects on pain relief, disability, and quality of life were evaluated using outcome measures at baseline, at 4 weeks, and after 3 months’ follow-up.Results:The findings indicated a significant reduction of pain in the active NAE group compared with the sham group immediately post-intervention, with a difference on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) of 3 points (P = .001), and at 3 months’ follow-up (P = .02). There were significant intragroup differences between the groups (P < .05) at post-intervention. After the intervention, both groups presented significant reductions on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) with respect to baseline (P = .004), but not at the 3-month follow-up. In the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in thumb variable we found significant differences between the groups at the 3-month follow-up (P = .02). No additional benefits for conditioned pain modulation and disability were observed between groups at the 3-month follow-up. Furthermore, anxiety/depression and catastrophizing improved in both groups, but no differences between groups were found.Conclusions:In this fibromyalgia cohort, NAE therapy significantly improved pain and quality of life at 4 weeks, but not at 3-month follow-up, compared with the sham stimulation group. Future investigations are needed in larger populations to confirm these findings.

Immediate effects of a direct myofascial release technique on hip and cervical flexibility in inactive females with hamstring shortening: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCurrently, greater background is required about the effectiveness of myofascial release (MFR) on muscle flexibility. ObjectiveOur goal was to determine the immediate effect of a direct MFR technique on hip and cervical flexibility in inactive females with hamstring shortening. MethodThe sample group included 68 female university students, randomly divided into a control group (n = 34) and an experimental group (n = 34). A placebo technique was used with the control group, and direct MFR on the posterior thigh region was used with the experimental group. ResultsThe mixed factorial ANOVA did not show significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). In the experimental group, Bonferroni post hoc test showed significant intragroup differences between pre-test and post-test 1, as well as between pre-test and post-test 2 for the three ischiotibial muscle flexibility tests (p < 0.001). Cervical flexion range of motion showed significant differences between pre-test and post-test 1 (p < 0.001). ConclusionsWe conclude that the protocol based on a single direct MFR intervention was no more effective than the placebo in improving flexibility both locally at the hamstring level and remotely at the level of the cervical extensor muscles. Future research should consider different MFR techniques on the immediate increase in muscle flexibility and the long-term effect of MFR, as well as consider different intervention groups.

Significant Predictors of Sports Performance in Elite Men Judo Athletes Based on Multidimensional Regression Models.

Background: This research aimed to identify the most significant predictors of sports level using regression modeling. Methods: This study examined 16 judokas (aged 23 (±2.5)) from four weight categories, with four athletes in each category (66 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg and 90 kg). Each athlete was a member of the Polish National Team, an international master class (IM) or national master class (M). The tests were carried out twice (every two weeks) during the pre-competitive season in the morning, after a 10-min warm-up. The tests were performed according to the following protocol: Explosive Strength Lower Limbs (ExSLL) [W], Strength Endurance Lower Limbs (SELL) [%], Explosive Strength Upper Limbs (ExSUL) [W], Strength Endurance Upper Limbs (SEUL) [%]. The relationships between the dependent variable (ranking score) and the other analyzed variables (predictors) were estimated using the one-factor ridge regression analysis. Results: There were significant intergroup and intragroup differences in the results of explosive strength and strength endurance of the lower and upper limbs. The best predictors were identified using regression modeling: ExSLL, SELL, and SEUL. Conclusions: Increasing the value of these predictors by a unit should significantly affect the scores in the ranking table. Correlation analysis showed that all variables that are strongly correlated with the Polish Judo Association (PJA) ranking table scores may have an effect on the sports performance.

Increment of the effectiveness of treating hypertension and dyslipidemia using a triple fixed-dose combination and the vascular age concept

Aim . To study the efficacy, safety and effect on vascular age of free-equivalent and fixed-dose combinations of amlodipine, a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers and rosuvastatin in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk with uncontrolled hypertension and concomitant dyslipidemia. Material and methods . This open-label case series study included 148 men and women (mean age 60,63±8,16 years). The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=76) received a triple fixed-dose combination of amlodipine, lisinopril, rosuvastatin; group 2 (n=72) received a dual free-equivalent antihypertensive combination (amlodipine/losartan) and rosuvastatin. The doses were selected by the attending physician and were not regulated by the researchers. The study included an assessment of blood pressure, lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), biochemical profile, ASCORE value, medication adherence, changes in the augmentation index (AI) at baseline and after 6 months of therapy (first and second visits, respectively). The results were considered significant at p&lt;0,05. Results . After 6 months of therapy, significant intragroup differences were noted in comparison with the baseline values. In group 1, the levels of TC (p=0,002), LDL-C (p=0,001), ASCORE value (p=0,01), and vascular age (p=0,01) significantly decreased; in group 2 — TC (p=0,03), LDL-C (p=0,005). In the group of triple fixed-dose therapy, the values of AI (p=0,04), TC (p=0,012), LDL-C (p=0,024), ASCORE value (p=0,02) and vascular age (p=0,01) were significantly lower than in the free-equivalent group. Conclusion . The fixed-dose combination of amlodipine, lisinopril and rosuvastatin, is more effective and equally safe relative to the free-equivalent combination of amlodipine/losartan and rosuvastatin, not only in terms of effect on LDL-C and AI, but also on vascular age parameters calculated using the ASCORE scale. This can serve as an additional motivating factor for patients to receive therapy.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Small-Sided Games Training on Sleep and Salivary Cortisol Level.

The authors compared sleep quality and salivary cortisol concentration after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and small-sided games (SSGs) performed at the habitual training time in nonprofessional male soccer players. A total of 32 players (age = 24 [6]y, height = 1.77 [0.06]m, and body mass = 75 [12]kg) were randomized into an HIIT group or an SSG group. Actual sleep time, sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency, immobility time (IT), moving time (MT), and fragmentation index were monitored using actigraphy before (PRE) and 2 nights after (POST 1 and POST 2) the training session. Salivary cortisol levels were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) training. Cortisol awakening response was evaluated. Significant intragroup differences in the HIIT group were noted for actual sleep time (P < .0001), SE (P < .0001), sleep latency (P = .047), IT (P < .0001), MT (P < .0001), and fragmentation index (P < .0001) between PRE and POST 1 and for SE (P = .035), IT (P = .004), MT (P = .006), and fragmentation index (P = .048) between PRE and POST 2. Intergroup differences for actual sleep time (P = .014), SE (P = .048), IT (P < .0001), and MT (P = .046) were observed between the HIIT and the SSGs group at POST 1 were detected. Significant intragroup variations were observed in PRE and POST salivary cortisol levels (P < .0001 for HIIT; P = .0003 for SSGs) and cortisol awakening response (P < .0001 for HIIT; P < .0001 for SSGs). Significant intergroup differences between the HIIT and the SSGs group were found at POST (P < .0001) and in cortisol awakening response (P = .017). Changes in actigraphy-based sleep parameters and salivary cortisol levels were greater after an acute session of HIIT than SSGs in this sample of nonprofessional male soccer players.

Clinical observation of Zhen’ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) for children with allergic rhinitis accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy

To observe the clinical efficacy of Zhen’ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) for children with allergic rhinitis (AR) accompanied by adenoid hypertrophy (AH). A total of 74 children who met the screening criteria were divided into a Zhen’ai group and a control group by the random number table method, with 37 cases in each group. The control group was treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Yingxiang (LI 20), Juliao (ST 3), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20). The Zhen’ai group added points of Zhen’ai needling method {Shanglianquan [Extra, located at 1 cun above Lianquan (CV 23)], Tianrong (SI 17) and Lieque (LU 7)} in addition to the points in the control group. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was performed twice a week. The total nasal symptom score (TNSS), sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) and symptom scale for AH (SSAH) were assessed before and after 10 treatments. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared after treatment. During the treatment, 5 cases dropped out in the control group and 2 cases in the Zhen’ai group. After treatment, the total effective rate of the Zhen’ai group was 94.3%, versus 93.8% in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The markedly effective rate of the Zhen’ai group was 42.9%, versus 12.5% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, there were significant intra-group differences in the scores of TNSS, SNOT-20 and SSAH in both groups (all P<0.05); the scores of SNOT-20 and SSAH in the Zhen’ai group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Both conventional acupuncture and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen’ai needling method can improve clinical symptoms of children with AR accompanied by AH; and conventional acupuncture plus Zhen’ai needling method has a better effect than conventional acupuncture in improving AH symptoms.

The Use of Different Modes of Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) for Enhancing Speed of the Slide-Step in Basketball Players.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether 5% of body mass-resisted or assisted conditioning activity (CA) can enhance 5 m slide-step movement performance. Methods: Sixteen division I basketball players participated in this study (23.6 ± 4.4 years; 86.3 ± 5.9 kg; 192.3 ± 6.2 cm; training experience 6.7 ± 2.6 years). The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed two different exercise protocols—assisted and resisted CA each consisting of four sets of 10 m slide-step movement with 5% of body mass external load and 1 min rest intervals between. To assess the differences between baseline and post-assisted, as well as post-resisted CA, the participants performed a 2 × 5 m slide-step movement 6 min after each CA protocol. The differences in time between baseline, post-assisted and post-resisted CA were examined using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: ANOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between baseline and post-assisted postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) (p = 0.011). There were no significant intragroup differences between baseline and post-resisted CA (p = 0.230). Conclusion: Findings of the study show that a light load assisted CA (5% of body mass) effectively elicits a potentiation response among basketball players.

Movie watching during dialysis sessions reduces depression and anxiety and improves quality of life: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of watching comedy movies as a complementary practice during dialysis on levels of anxiety, depression, quality of life, stress, laboratory findings and intra-dialysis complications.Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving the practice of presenting comedy movies during dialysis. The primary outcome was depression. The secondary outcomes were anxiety, quality of life, stress, laboratory findings and intra-dialysis complications.ResultsTwenty-six patients were in the control group and 35 were in the experimental group. Significant intra-group differences [6.0 to 3.0 (p <0.001) and 8.0 to 4.0 (p <0.001), respectively] and inter-group differences [5.0 vs. 3.0 (p = 0.016) and 7.0 vs. 4.0 (p = 0.017), respectively] were found regarding anxiety and depression scores, with improvements in the experimental group. The experimental group was also less likely to have intra-dialysis complications, such as hypertension (p = 0.003) and headache (p = 0.020), and reported significant improvements in different domains of quality of life [symptoms/problems (p = 0.003); effects of the disease (p = 0.008); pain (p = 0.027); general health state (p = 0.004); and social function (p = 0.036)]. No significant differences were found in salivary cortisol or the results of the biochemical exams, with the exception of a reduction in hematocrit in the control group.ConclusionsThe proposed complementary practice was associated with reductions in anxiety and depression scores and intra-dialysis complications (hypertension and headache) as well as improvements in quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Altered Corticomuscular Coherence (CMCoh) Pattern in the Upper Limb During Finger Movements After Stroke.

Background: Proximal compensation to the distal movements is commonly observed in the affected upper extremity (UE) of patients with chronic stroke. However, the cortical origin of this compensation has not been well-understood. In this study, corticomuscular coherence (CMCoh) and electromyography (EMG) analysis were adopted to investigate the corticomuscular coordinating pattern of proximal UE compensatory activities when conducting distal UE movements in chronic stroke.Method: Fourteen chronic stroke subjects and 10 age-matched unimpaired controls conducted isometric finger extensions and flexions at 20 and 40% of maximal voluntary contractions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded from the sensorimotor area and EMG signals were captured from extensor digitorum (ED), flexor digitorum (FD), triceps brachii (TRI), and biceps brachii (BIC) to investigate the CMCoh peak values in the Beta band. EMG parameters, i.e., the EMG activation level and co-contraction index (CI), were analyzed to evaluate the compensatory muscular patterns in the upper limb.Result: The peak CMCoh with statistical significance (P < 0.05) was found shifted from the ipsilesional side to the contralesional side in the proximal UE muscles, while to the central regions in the distal UE muscle in chronic strokes. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in both peak ED and FD CMCohs during finger extensions between the two groups. The unimpaired controls exhibited significant intragroup differences between 20 and 40% levels in extensions for peak ED and FD CMCohs (P < 0.05). The stroke subjects showed significant differences in peak TRI and BIC CMCohs (P < 0.01). No significant inter- or intra-group difference was observed in peak CMCoh during finger flexions. EMG parameters showed higher EMG activation levels in TRI and BIC muscles (P < 0.05), and higher CI values in the muscle pairs involving TRI and BIC during all the extension and flexion tasks in the stroke group than those in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The post-stroke proximal muscular compensations from the elbow to the finger movements were cortically originated, with the center mainly located in the contralesional hemisphere.

Dose Motor Inhibition Response Training Using Stop-signal Paradigm Influence Execution and Stop Performance?

Purpose: This study examined whether 1) the motor inhibition response as cognitive-behavioral component is learning though a stop signal task using stop-signal paradigm, and 2) whether there is a difference in the learning degree according to imagery training and ac tual practice training. Methods: Twenty young adults (males: 9, females: 11) volunteered to participate in this study, and were divided randomly into motor imagery training (IT, n=10) and practice training (PT, n=10) groups. The PT group performed an actual practice stop-signal task, while the IT group performed imagery training, which showed a stop-signal task on a monitor of a personal computer. The non-signal reaction time and stop-signal reaction time of both groups were assessed during the stop-signal task. Results: In the non-signal reaction time, there were no significant intra-group and inter-group differences between pre- and post-inter vention in both groups (p>0.05). The stop-signal reaction time showed a significant difference in the PT group in the intra-group analy sis (p 0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that the motor inhibition response could be learned through a stop-signal task. Moreover, these find ings suggest that actual practice is a more effective method for learning the motor inhibition response.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study of Manipulative Dexterity on Different Subtypes of Multiple Sclerosis.

Background Manipulative dexterity impairments affect 76% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients with MS can experience reduced skill when performing both basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. Many studies consider that physical rehabilitation leads to a decrease in the level of disability, especially at the mild and moderate stages of the disease. However, most studies fail to distinguish between the different MS subtypes. Purpose Our aims were (1) to describe the manipulative skills of people according to the different subtypes of MS, (2) to analyze the correlation between dexterity and self-perception variables, and (3) to identify possible predictors of functionality. Study Design. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods 30 individuals with MS. The measurement tools used were the ABILHAND, the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the Box and Block Test. Results All subtypes of MS obtained lower scores for manipulative dexterity compared to normal skill levels, with individuals with primary progressive MS displaying the lowest values. However, the analysis of differences between the different subtypes did not reveal statistically significant intragroup differences. In addition, differences were found regarding the effect size of practically all the variables analyzed for both manipulative dexterity (PPT, NHPT, and BBT) and the self-perception of ADLs (ABILHAND), for which high values (dr = 0.72) and very high values (dr = 1.46) were obtained. Conclusions Although no significant differences were found between the different types of MS, the assessment of manual dexterity and perceived efficacy of daily activities must be considered as prognostic factors in the progression of the disease. These findings may help support further research on targeted interventions to improve dexterity deficiencies, as well as promote an improved quality of therapeutic interventions.

Effectiveness of Different Laser-Assisted In-Office Bleaching Techniques: 1-Year Follow-Up.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate color longevity after different bleaching techniques. Background: Laser-activated bleaching methods are gaining popularity due to decreased chair time and increased patient compliance. However, the longevity of such methods has not been stated clearly. Methods: Sixty patients were divided into the following three groups (n = 20); group 1: chemical bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) gel, group 2: bleaching with 35% HP gel with diode laser activation, and group 3: bleaching with 35% HP gel with Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation. Color changes (ΔE*) were calculated by using two different formulas: (i) CIELAB (ΔEab) and (ii) CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) with a spectrophotometer before treatment, 24 h after treatment 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Evaluation of postoperative sensitivity was performed before and immediately after treatment, followed by re-evaluation 24 h and 1 week after treatment. Results: For ΔEab calculation, no significant difference was observed during both intra- and inter-group evaluations (p > 0.05). For ΔE00 calculation, no significant intergroup difference was observed (p > 0.05), whereas significant intragroup differences between the values of after treatment, 6-12 months. In the chemical bleaching group, increased postoperative sensitivity was observed after 24 h (p < 0.001). In the diode-laser-activated group, postoperative hypersensitivity was detected at 24 h and 1 week. No significant hypersensitivity was observed in the Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-activated group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: All three techniques provided efficient bleaching. Chemical and diode-activated bleaching methods resulted in slight sensitivity after application, whereas Er,Cr:YSGG-laser-activated bleaching did not cause sensitivity.

Changes in Cartilage and Subchondral Bone of Femoral Trochlear Groove After Patellectomy in Growing Rabbits.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of patellectomy on the bony and cartilaginous morphology of the trochlear groove in growing rabbits.MethodsForty‐eight 4‐week‐old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group underwent a sham surgical procedure, whereas the patellectomy group underwent patella excision surgery. Half of the rabbits in each group were sacrificed 3 months postoperatively; the rest were sacrificed 6 months postoperatively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on collected samples. Measurements included the bony and cartilaginous sulcus angles of the trochlear groove. In addition, the thickness of the articular cartilage at the deepest sulcus position (central thickness) and at the mid‐position of the medial and lateral facets was measured and compared between groups.ResultsThree months after surgery, histological images revealed significant differences between the control group and the patellectomy group in cartilaginous sulcus angle (144.2° ± 1.5° vs 151.9° ± 2.4°, respectively; P < 0.001). No obvious difference in bony sulcus angle was found between the groups. Six months after surgery, significant between‐group differences were observed in cartilaginous sulcus angle (136.3° ± 2.5° in control group vs 160.7° ± 3.0° in patellectomy group, P < 0.001) and bony sulcus angle (136.2° ± 2.2° in control group vs 160.4° ± 2.6° in patellectomy group, P < 0.001). However, there were no significant intra‐group differences between cartilaginous and bony sulcus angles in either group. Three months after surgery, significant between‐group differences were detected in articular cartilage thickness at the three different positions (medial facet: 324.3 ± 14.0 μm in control group vs 391.7 ± 98.8 μm in patellectomy group, P = 0.029; central position: 362.1 ± 13.6 μm in control group vs 730.3 ± 76.8 μm in patellectomy group, P < 0.001; lateral facet: 324.6 ± 12.7 μm in control group vs 358.5 ± 38.7 μm in patellectomy group, P = 0.009). No between‐group differences in cartilage thickness were found at 6 months.ConclusionsAbnormal mechanical stress (patellectomy) during a rabbit's development can cause flattening of the femoral trochlear cartilage, followed by changes in the subchondral osseous layer. Abnormal mechanical stress is a crucial factor in the development of trochlear groove dysplasia.